“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
Our trip to the cave house had become a treacherous journey. We had left home in plenty of time to get there before dark, but as sisters and moms usually do, we found many things to do on the way. Now, as the darkness loomed over us, we were trying to find our way in the unknown, pitch black, back roads of Arkansas.
My internal compass had become skewed in the darkness, so we sat at a crossroads, deciding which one to take. When the chosen road got rough, we finally stopped to get out and look around. And there we were – on the rocky cliff of a riverbed with the raging water in front of us. Having no way to turn around for the narrowness of the road, my sister got out and directed us inch by inch until we were able to wedge our way around to a better path. Finally, we got to our destination, where we peacefully rested for the duration of our stay.
Sometimes in life, we stand at a crossroads as well. We know the direction we want to go, but in the darkness of stress and anxiety, we can get thrown off balance. The devil will take advantage of our confusion to tempt us to choose the wrong path. This is where our minds and hearts become susceptible to diversions that can take us into rocky territory and deep water. Satan would like nothing better than to walk us off a cliff to thwart God’s plan for our life, because he knows that once we have gone astray, it can be a long and winding road back to solid ground.
But God does not want us to go off a cliff! He wants us to “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). We all have an inherent sense that will steer us in the right direction if we ask and listen. When we search for His Truth, He will teach us. When we surrender our hurts, He will love on us. When we turn every corner of our life in His direction, He will meet us there! Our better path can be found in the One who stands at the gate where “you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).
The road to the gate is a narrow one (Matthew 7:13-14) ! And the attraction of that larger road can look so inviting. But when we invite Jesus to be our guide, and the Word of God to be our compass, we can find comfort and peace in our journey until we meet Him face to face.
If you are standing at a crossroads today, approaching the edge of the cliff, turn around and look for the signs that point to Jesus. Take His hand, and even if it is inch by inch, walk in faith trusting Him to lead you in the Way that is Good.
12 Words
Our crossroads in life bridge the road to the cross. Choose wisely.
Lord God, thank you for your passionate love for me! Help me to seek your way in the unexpected paths of my journey and to see your light on the right way to go. Be my guide, Lord, and help me to trust you to lead me in the way that is good and true. Amen.
Scripture Reflection:
Jeremiah 6:16
Isaiah 30:18-21
John 14:1-6
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